81-87 Aluminum Rims? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kelsfine69 · 10-15-2009, 04:36 PM

Does anyone know if the aluminum rims that were optioned on these trucks had a coating on them or can they just be polished?

sierra4x4 · 10-15-2009, 10:26 PM

They have a coating. Its best to strip the coating off then polish them and then clear coat them.

Keith Seymore · 10-16-2009, 07:50 AM

These rims?

Yes - they had a coating on them.

And - they were available prior to '81, too (1980 truck pictured). I believe the first versions were forged, and then they went to cast for a cost savings.

K

kelsfine69 · 10-16-2009, 09:29 AM

Found a set for $50 for 5 and they need work, just debating.....

Keith Seymore · 10-16-2009, 09:59 AM

No debate - do it!

**N2TRUX** · 10-16-2009, 10:14 AM

With todays trend towards satin black or red wheels, I have considered a set of those. I think they would look great powder coated red....on the right truck.

**nlped** · 10-16-2009, 10:19 AM

Heck, for $50 for 5 of them you could try your hand at stripping and polishing them. Or you could just take them to a recycler and make money at the prices that aluminum goes for now. I do not condone the latter, but it is an option

kelsfine69 · 10-16-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

No debate - do it!

yea well I already have a set of ralleys on the truck and a set of Old School E/T Slots for summer. I dont need a 3rd set its just a good deal. I could stip them, polish and get them clear powdercoated and sell the ralleys?

glock35ipsc · 10-16-2009, 04:17 PM

For $50, I'd buy them just to resell if nothing else!

**truckfan** · 10-17-2009, 12:05 AM

$200 at junkyard. i have eyed before....

kelsfine69 · 10-18-2009, 10:59 AM

Suppose to go look today...They might follow me home....

kelsfine69 · 10-19-2009, 10:04 PM

Yup They followed me home for $40 bucks...Even came with tires...Now what?... paint stripper and polish?

*BGRAFX* · 10-19-2009, 10:12 PM

I have those on my suburban but just painted some rallys satin black to replace the stock rims

77nomad · 10-19-2009, 10:16 PM

I grew up in the metal finishing buiness (dad has 40yrs buffing and polishing aluminum) and I would use Easy Off oven cleaner to remove the anodizing, then go at them with a 180 da disc to get the machining marks of them, then go to a 320. For a nice buff find a 10" buffing wheel and put it on a angle grinder or polisher like you see the guys buffing out paint with. Start with a brown rouge to get the sanding lines out, the with a different wheel use white to put the final finish on, also called color buffing.Then you could either leave them and just keep them clean with Mothers or have them plated. I've seen guys around here plate wheels for 25 bucks a rim. Just my two cents.

**truckfan** · 10-19-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

Yup They followed me home for $40 bucks...Even came with tires...Now what?... paint stripper and polish?

i'll meet you in Kansas City and you can double your money. give me about 45 minutes notice and i'll meet you there

*BGRAFX* · 10-20-2009, 09:11 AM

TruckFan-Call me or PM so we can further discuss a wheel swap.

Keith Seymore · 10-20-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

Yup They followed me home for $40 bucks...Even came with tires...Now what?... paint stripper and polish?

The tires look relatively new!

Geez, Kel - I can't believe you had to think this one over!!

kelsfine69 · 10-20-2009, 02:52 PM

Yea....

Tires are a good 50% but starting to crack inbetween the treads.

I think I will start with the 320 grit and then polish, the coating wont change with the oven cleaner and they are very smooth already. They have been power washed just before I got them. I need to find a polishing wheel for my angle grinder. hopefully i can do it with the tires on?

77nomad · 10-20-2009, 11:07 PM

320 will take that anodizing off, will just use more materials is all. I've never had a problem using easy off though. Tires on tires off its your preferance. IMHO I think a better job can be done tires off.

thirdstreettito · 10-21-2009, 08:15 AM

There were 2 styles of stock aluminum wheels. The ones pictured above and the ones Im posting. I need to get pics of after they have been cleaned, there are no more black spots, and they no longer look semi-chrome.

*BGRAFX* · 10-21-2009, 08:25 AM

Mine don't have the big lip on them like yours. It looks like your could have the 3in chrome trim ring on them like the original rallies.

thirdstreettito · 10-21-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

Mine don't have the big lip on them like yours. It looks like your could have the 3in chrome trim ring on them like the original rallies.

No, they dont. They are solid cast aluminum. The ones in the previous posts looks like alcoa wheels.

*BGRAFX* · 10-21-2009, 08:37 AM

I can't post pics right now, but if you look at the pics in my profile. My suburban wheels don't look like the alcoas or eagle alloys like on your white truck.

10-15-2009, 04:36 PM	#1
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	81-87 Aluminum Rims? Does anyone know if the aluminum rims that were optioned on these trucks had a coating on them or can they just be polished? __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-15-2009, 10:26 PM	#2
sierra4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 308	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? They have a coating. Its best to strip the coating off then polish them and then clear coat them.

10-16-2009, 07:50 AM	#3
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,230	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? These rims? Yes - they had a coating on them. And - they were available prior to '81, too (1980 truck pictured). I believe the first versions were forged, and then they went to cast for a cost savings. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

10-16-2009, 09:29 AM	#4
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Found a set for $50 for 5 and they need work, just debating..... __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-16-2009, 09:59 AM	#5
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,230	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? No debate - do it! __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

10-16-2009, 10:14 AM	#6
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? With todays trend towards satin black or red wheels, I have considered a set of those. I think they would look great powder coated red....on the right truck. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-16-2009, 10:19 AM	#7
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Heck, for $50 for 5 of them you could try your hand at stripping and polishing them. Or you could just take them to a recycler and make money at the prices that aluminum goes for now. I do not condone the latter, but it is an option __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

10-16-2009, 04:17 PM	#9
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? For $50, I'd buy them just to resell if nothing else! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

10-17-2009, 12:05 AM	#10
truckfan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lawrence KS Posts: 821	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? $200 at junkyard. i have eyed before.... __________________ 1981 Chevy C30 440 Holmes 42K one owner miles

10-18-2009, 10:59 AM	#11
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Suppose to go look today...They might follow me home.... __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-19-2009, 10:04 PM	#12
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Yup They followed me home for $40 bucks...Even came with tires...Now what?... paint stripper and polish? Attached Images __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-19-2009, 10:12 PM	#13
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? I have those on my suburban but just painted some rallys satin black to replace the stock rims

10-19-2009, 10:16 PM	#14
77nomad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Muskegon, MI (the beer tent capitol of the world) Posts: 16	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? I grew up in the metal finishing buiness (dad has 40yrs buffing and polishing aluminum) and I would use Easy Off oven cleaner to remove the anodizing, then go at them with a 180 da disc to get the machining marks of them, then go to a 320. For a nice buff find a 10" buffing wheel and put it on a angle grinder or polisher like you see the guys buffing out paint with. Start with a brown rouge to get the sanding lines out, the with a different wheel use white to put the final finish on, also called color buffing.Then you could either leave them and just keep them clean with Mothers or have them plated. I've seen guys around here plate wheels for 25 bucks a rim. Just my two cents. Last edited by 77nomad; 10-20-2009 at 12:00 AM.

10-20-2009, 09:11 AM	#16
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? TruckFan-Call me or PM so we can further discuss a wheel swap.

10-20-2009, 02:52 PM	#18
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Yea.... Tires are a good 50% but starting to crack inbetween the treads. I think I will start with the 320 grit and then polish, the coating wont change with the oven cleaner and they are very smooth already. They have been power washed just before I got them. I need to find a polishing wheel for my angle grinder. hopefully i can do it with the tires on? __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-20-2009, 11:07 PM	#19
77nomad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Muskegon, MI (the beer tent capitol of the world) Posts: 16	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? 320 will take that anodizing off, will just use more materials is all. I've never had a problem using easy off though. Tires on tires off its your preferance. IMHO I think a better job can be done tires off.

10-21-2009, 08:15 AM	#20
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? There were 2 styles of stock aluminum wheels. The ones pictured above and the ones Im posting. I need to get pics of after they have been cleaned, there are no more black spots, and they no longer look semi-chrome. Attached Images __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck Last edited by thirdstreettito; 10-21-2009 at 08:17 AM.

10-21-2009, 08:25 AM	#21
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? Mine don't have the big lip on them like yours. It looks like your could have the 3in chrome trim ring on them like the original rallies.

10-21-2009, 08:37 AM	#23
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: 81-87 Aluminum Rims? I can't post pics right now, but if you look at the pics in my profile. My suburban wheels don't look like the alcoas or eagle alloys like on your white truck.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.